these students are getting so much more — a piece of real life . They ’ re finding their passion , they ’ re finding out that the career pathway that they think they want to go into is perfect or not perfect , they are spending less time and money and effort into finding this out way before they get to college .”
During the first two to three weeks of school , Prichard ’ s class learns about career readiness , along with their desired internship path .
“ They ’ re learning things that are all career-focused ,” she said . “ They ’ re learning how to shake a hand properly , how to look someone in the eye , they ’ re learning how to interview , they ’ re learning how to build their resumé , a cover letter and references .”
Students also participate in personality assessments as well as career readiness and exploration activities , and learn to make decisions about their career field and which path to follow .
The program assists students to find internships that match their interests with community leaders , businesses and organizations .
Some students may learn more about mechanics . Others will step inside the medical field . The list goes on and on .
These opportunities allow students to be hands-on , observe and learn . Each student spends around an hour and a half each day with their sponsored business or mentor .
With a variety of internships and job fields to explore , Prichard said each assignment is different .
“ Some of them are observing , some of them are getting their
SOME OF THIS YEAR ’ S PATHWAYS TO FUTURE CAREERS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM STUDENTS , PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT , ARE ABBY CARTER , HAILEY DUVALL , XANDER DAY AND MADDIE CALDWELL . THE GROUP WORKS TOGETHER ON A PROJECT TO DEVELOP TEAM BUILDING .
hands dirty , some of them are learning from multiple people ,” she said .
In a few circumstances , students might gain experience from more than one internship opportunity , but most of the time students will spend the whole year with one business or organization .
Prichard said she loves how the community is incredibly supportive of the school ’ s internship program .
“ They ’ re so excited for their student interns ,” she said . “ They are planning for their future and excited about the future of this program .”
Edgar Pardo , PFC student , said this is his second year with the PFC program .
Last year , Pardo interned at First Bank & Trust on Plato with the marketing department . He liked how the internship program gives a head start into real life .
“ You get to be hands-on with the company you want to be working with ,” he said . “ You get to actually see what it feels like to be in the job .”
Pardo said while he was in his internship , he learned a lot about marketing . He would love to return to this position in a future internship to learn more about pursuing marketing .
“ It ’ s a really great experience ,” he said . “ You meet a lot of people out in the real world . You get to network with people . It ’ s a great opportunity to just get started in life .”
Prichard said she would like to see the enrollment in the program increase with each coming year , as well as an increase in the opportunities with each and every business sponsor .
“ I ’ m excited about the future of this career program , because I see the benefit it ’ s going to have on this community and on these students ,” she said .
For more information about Duncan High School ’ s Pathways to Future Careers Internship program , contact Prichard at emily . prichard @ duncanps . org or 580-475-7593 or PO Box 1548 Duncan , Oklahoma 73534 . DM
DUNCAN MAGAZINE | FALL 2022 19